The rollout of the Ease of Doing Business Act, 2025, has been ordered to be accelerated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to rebuild investor confidence and reduce regulatory pressure on businesses. A comprehensive implementation report has also been directed to be prepared. The reforms will be independently evaluated by international organisations to assess their impact. A more competitive business environment is being prioritised to attract domestic and foreign investment.

Possible hoarding of petroleum products has been flagged by Ogra and the Oil Companies Advisory Council amid expectations of a price increase. The issue was reviewed by the National Coordination and Management Council, where fuel availability, supply-chain conditions and pricing behaviour were examined. Price stability and uninterrupted supply were emphasised as rising consumption and volatile global oil markets continued to create pressure.

Pakistan’s Rice Exports Plunge 31% While Food Imports Keep Rising

Pakistan’s food import bill was increased by 11.66% to $9.15 billion in FY2025-26, mainly due to higher sugar and edible oil purchases. Meanwhile, raw food exports were reduced by 29.49% to $5.017 billion. Rice exports were hit sharply, falling 31% to $2.291 billion, while fruit and vegetable shipments were affected by suspended trade with Afghanistan. Tea imports were also raised by 4.23% to $664.6 million, widening Pakistan’s food trade gap.